2003 Ford Taurus Transmission Not Engaging (3 Easy Solutions)

There are many automakers in America but Ford has gained much popularity among them. Yet, it has also made several terrible cars and the 2003 Ford Taurus car model is one of those terrible cars. 

This Ford Taurus model has come up with many issues and the most common of these is the transmission issue. And, fixing this transmission problem can be very expensive at times as well. Feeling worried? 

Nothing to worry about at all. We have you covered. Just read the article until the end. 

Most car owners tend to fix this issue and replace the entire transmission. There are a few more solutions too. As a car owner of this Ford Taurus model, you should know what to do if you face this 2003 Ford Taurus Transmission Not Engaging.

2003 Ford Taurus Transmission Not Engaging [Major Reason]

If a 2003 Ford Taurus is having difficulty with the transmission engaging, it could be due to a variety of issues such as a faulty transmission control module, a worn clutch, or a problem with the transmission linkage. It is recommended to have the vehicle inspected by a mechanic to diagnose and repair the issue.

2003 Ford Taurus Transmission Not Engaging? Here are the Common Problems

2003 ford taurus transmission not engaging

The features that make this 2003 Ford Taurus car model so popular are its durability and superpower. But, there have been a few issues in this vehicle’s transmission that have slowly become visible. Most car owners of this model have faced various Transmission Issues. There have found three main transmission issues that are the most experienced problems. They are-

Internal Transmission Pumps

There have been a couple of occurrences where the internal transmission pumps have stalled mid-drive. Thus, it has prompted further issues for the functioning of the vehicle. If the stick shift of the car quits functioning all alone, it will be dangerous to maneuver the car as the transmission is fundamental for revival in moving the car. This issue has prompted countless Ford Taurus car models to be pulled out of the market.

Transmission Shaft

Another transmission issue that is frequently noticed is the transmission shaft. If the principle shaft breaks down then it moves into the Torque converter. Since there have been a few repairs in the inward arrangement of the vehicle, this issue has now and then continued even with consistent bodywork. The 2003 Ford Taurus is popular for its super durability as well as having the option to withstand shocks. However, these issues came as unapproachable and should be dealt with as it is needed. A few models appear to work better whenever they have had an overhaul in the braking as well as steering systems, yet the transmission maintains in that car model. 

Control Regulator Valve

There are some issues related to the control regulator valve of the Ford Taurus car model. Yet this is a less known issue that has happened in just specific models. The acceleration of the car could be seriously affected if your car comes with this issue.  So, there has been a need for a quick remedy to solve this problem.

This 2003 Ford Taurus model is the 4th generation 2000-2007 Taurus car model that turned into the victim of financial plan designing. Thus, it had to complete out its last year as a ‘fleet only’ model. It was equipped with the 4F50N (previous name-AX4N) transmission in the earlier Taurus car models. But the latest models are equipped with the 6F50 transmission to overcome the transmission issues.

So, if you find out transmission issues in your Ford Taurus car and are still trying to drive with this problem, it will cause a lot of damage to your car. Thus, you need to diagnose the problems why your 2003 Ford Taurus Transmission Not Engaging

How To Diagnose The Transmission Issues Of Your 2003 Ford Taurus

code reader

To diagnose the transmission issues, you will need the right tools as well as experiences. You should go to a good mechanic or you can also go to a transmission repair center. The transmission repair center can connect your Ford Taurus vehicle to a computer as well as can find out the DTC’s (diagnostic trouble codes) that have been stored. When they find out the DTC’s, they verify the problem through visual inspection.

Click here to check all DTC codecodesFord. 

Check this code reader on Amazon.

Solution to the Transmission Issues of your 2003 Ford Taurus

After identifying the problem, they will recommend to you some solution to fix your transmission issue. 

Solution-1: Buy a used Ford Taurus Transmission

The most rapid method to fix your transmission issues is to purchase used transmission. These can be found in all things considered garbage yards. Besides, you will get a 30-90 day guarantee with them. There is no chance to detect the real state of the interior components. So, you are probably going to experience the same issues. Also, that guarantee possibly covers the transmission if it’s blemished, not the work costs that you’ll need to pay.

Here you can buy used Ford Taurus Transmission  

Solution-2: Purchase a Remade Ford Taurus Transmission

Another choice would be purchasing a modified transmission or remade transmission. A nearby auto shop will eliminate your car transmission. After that, they will introduce a lot of new parts during the reconstruction. The issue here is, the abilities, as well as experience of every transmission rebuilder, will differ usually from one shop to another shop. Thus, you might have issues with something that wasn’t changed appropriately. Furthermore, the long term guarantee may just cover you at certain transmission fix shops, in a particular geological zone.

Solution-3: Purchase a Remanufactured Ford Taurus Transmission

Auto and Light Truck Replacement Cordset for Freeze Plug, Engine Block, Oil Pan, and Transmission Heaters

Many car owners rely upon their vehicle to drive as well as get things completed. The gasoline engines of their car model are intended to go 100’s of thousands of miles. So you should purchase a remanufactured Ford Taurus transmission. 

Here you may also need many accessories to buy from Amazon.

The Final Step: Replace It With A New Entire Transmission

If these solutions do not work, you have to fix the transmission issue by replacing a new entire transmission. Yet, this will cost you a lot, about $1,930 on average. Although replacing a new entire transmission is very expensive, it will save you time. You can get back faster on the road.

So, to replace a new transmission, your car must be lifted from the ground. Thus, it can reach access to all of the parts that will require being unbolted. At that point, the transmission can be brought down to the ground (regularly with a transmission jack), so the new transmission can be introduced.

Some Key Maintenance Of Your Ford Taurus Transmission

The general life expectancy of a Ford Taurus transmission relies upon to a great extent how well it was kept up. So, if you find the 2003 Ford Taurus transmission not engaging, try to maintain it well. The transmission of your car fades in and out of gear if the car is in cold condition. It means that the transmission fluid level is low. Most transmission issues can be solved by altering the filter as well as changing the fluid level. Thus, you need to inspect the level of transmission fluid of your car. Besides, if your transmission shifting is too late, you have to check your car speed sensor so the PCM (powertrain control module) can control the transmission. If your sensor does not perform correctly, you need to replace the VSS and also have to recheck it. 

Check this Transmission Speed Sensor on Amazon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why won’t my 2003 Ford Taurus go into gear?

A 2003 Ford Taurus may not go into gear due to a low transmission fluid level, a faulty transmission control module, a malfunctioning shift solenoid, or mechanical problems within the transmission itself.

Did the 2003 Ford Taurus have transmission problems?

Yes, the 2003 Ford Taurus experienced transmission issues, including shifting difficulties, sudden acceleration, and transmission failure, often requiring costly repairs or replacements.

What would cause a transmission to not pull?

A transmission might not pull because of low fluid levels, damaged or malfunctioning internal transmission components, a failing transmission control module, or a failing torque converter.

What is the most common problem with a 2003 Ford Taurus?

The most common problem with a 2003 Ford Taurus is the transmission, with issues ranging from erratic shifting to complete transmission failure.

Final Verdict

It’s tricky tough to solve the problem on your own. So, in the end, if you experience transmission issues, go to a good mechanic or a transmission repair center for your 2003 Ford Taurus Transmission Repair. 

If you still have any questions, please ask us in the below comment section. 

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top